A DEARTH of defensive options is set to put some prospects’ price at a premium come AFL draft time. In a general consensus, only two to three genuine defenders are in first round contention, as well as a couple of hybrid prospects who are likely to land around the mark.

Although, some defensive talents may have their current rankings inflated due to a seeming lack of high-end options. Compounding that, apt interceptors and athletic defenders who can slingshot the ball off half-back with speed and elite kicking are coming into vogue at the top level.

With many seasons drawing to a close around the country, we take a look at some of the most highly touted defenders in contention, broken down in three different categories – key position, third talls, and medium-small types.

KEY POSITION

What’s required: Athletic talls who can intercept, shut down direct opponents, and use the ball efficiently.

AFL prototype: Darcy Moore

Best available:

Jedd Busslinger (East Perth/Western Australia)
11/03/2004 | 196cm | 82kg | RMC rank: #8

Coming into the year, Busslinger was tagged as the top tall defender in this year’s crop. The East Perth talent had his year cut short as he went in for shoulder surgery, but cracked a senior berth and performed solidly in state colours beforehand. He ticks the box of being athletic enough, is versatile in his intercept and lockdown abilities, and makes sound decisions with ball in hand. First rounder, potentially top 10 in the wake of Josh Gibcus and Denver Grainger-Barras.

In the mix:

Lewis Hayes has staked his claim as the next best key defender in the crop, having stood up on the big stage during this year’s National Championships. The brother of Port Adelaide ruck Sam stands at 197cm, and reads the play beautifully across centre half-back. He took on the kick-in duties for Eastern and can certainly rack up possessions, using them efficiently by foot.

While Hayes will be pushing into top 20 contention, there are not too many genuine key defensive options in the same range. One of the more solid operators out there is James Van Es, the Vic Country full back. Also a 197cm prospect, he is much more physically developed compared to Hayes, and has a clear one-wood with his intercept marking in one-on-one duels. He’ll be a chance down the order.

THIRD TALLS

What’s required: Athletic, high-leaping interceptors who can impact contests as the third man up, but also damage offensively and can quell dangerous forwards.

AFL prototype: Tom Stewart

Best available:

Josh Weddle (Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
25/05/2004 | 191cm | 87kg | RMC rank: #29

Weddle is another who ticks several of the parameters above, as a defender who impacts in both an offensive and defensive sense. With a powerful athletic base, the well-developed backman clunks clean intercept marks before setting off in a flash on the rebound. His composure and positive intent off half-back make him a dynamic threat who can hit targets forward of the play, and spark quick transitions. He is a prime example of a defender who is in top 30 range, but will likely be snapped up earlier.

In the mix:

Much like Weddle, fellow Oakleigh talent Max Gruzewski has propelled himself into top 30 contention. He shares similar traits with his strong aerial presence and punchy kicking, but has the added upside of being able to swing forward.

Clubs and fans alike will love the raw athleticism of Tasmania’s Tom McCallum. Playing above his size at times, the 192cm speedster has an enormous running capacity and takes the game on regularly after soaring for intercept marks. He, too can play forward, as he showcased last year.

Adelaide father-son candidate Max Michalanney is another with similar line-breaking ability from the back. He’s a mobile type at 192cm who has already played senior football, and is versatile enough to both attack and defend off medium and tall players.

MEDIUM-SMALLS

What’s required: Quick players with the running capacity to get to the fall of contests, and spark transitional play with a blend of dare and elite kicking.

AFL prototype: Adam Saad

Best available:

Lachlan Cowan (Tasmania Devils/Allies)
1/12/2004 | 188cm | 81kg | RMC rank: #23

Cowan embodies much of what a quality medium defender can do. At 188cm, he really catches the eye with his flair and work across the ground. Possessing explosive athleticism, the Tasmanian dashes off the last line and can launch the ball 70-odd metres with his booming boot. Handily, he also uses his speed to close in defensively and impacts aerially, making for a well-rounded packed among the top 25 prospects.

In the mix:

A pair of injury riddled prospects could well have climbed right into top 25 range this year, and have traits AFL clubs will love. Namely, they are Luke Teal and Sam Gilbey. Both are 188cm and possess weaponous kicks on their right and left feet respectively.

The latter recently broke his leg and may slide given his preseason will be interrupted. He also battled glandular fever early in the year, while Teal had his appendix removed before suffering a collarbone injury in his time with Oakleigh.

Elsewhere, South Australian Jakob Ryan is a solid option in the second round bracket who finds the ball and uses it well, but has the versatility to play on a wing or at half-forward. Harvey Gallagher has also catapulted himself into contention as a small option, who has found remarkable form since shifting back.

There are a couple more promising smalls among the Vic Country setup. Finn Emile-Brennan is tied to Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy and will likely get there outside the pick 40 mark, while Cooper Vickery offers a touch less flair but is consistent and earned a National Combine invite.

HYBRIDS

There are a bunch of versatile prospects who may not primarily play in defence, but have certainly proven their capabilities there. Arguably atop that tree is Reuben Ginbey, Western Australia’s Under-18 MVP. He cracked East Perth’s League side as a defender, and has it in his locker to develop there before becoming a full-time midfielder. He’s well within first round contention.

Another in the first round bracket is Henry Hustwaite. The Dandenong Stingrays on-baller cut his teeth down back early in the year, before transitioning to midfield as his side’s private school stars were unavailable. At 194cm, he has enormous poise and draws comparisons to Scott Pendlebury.

A couple of players who can operate on all three lines are Jed Hagan and Jason Gillbee. The latter combined with Cowan off the Allies’ half-back line, and has the running capacity to accumulate on the wing. Hagan has played on either side of midfield but looks best suited to a small forward or defender role. Both players sit arguably outside the second round range.

Lastly, the likes of Harry Barnett and Edward Allan could be players to find homes in defence given their unique traits. Currently, Barnett operates as a mobile, high-marking ruck and is among the top 25 talents. Allan is a 194cm outside midfielder who has been playing on the inside, and may push for third round selection.